Red Cross Prepared To Shelter Hundreds of Thousands In Response to Hurricane Charley

American Red Cross
Thursday, 12 August 2004

The American Red Cross is urging residents along the west coast of Florida to heed the advice of officials and begin preparations for evacuation. Hurricane Charley could have a major impact on those living from the Florida Keys to Tampa Bay and the Red Cross is prepared to open shelters in the affected areas, as necessary. Florida officials say this could be Florida's biggest evacuation request since 1999, when Hurricane Floyd brushed the state's east coast and prompted officials to urge a record 1.3 million people to evacuate.

People in those affected areas are encouraged to call 866-GET-INFO to get information on shelter locations and to get assistance. Please note that shelters are not equipped to handle family pets. Please contact your local humane society or make some alternate arrangements with those outside of the evacuation area.

With Hurricane Charley rapidly approaching and the impending danger of the storm increases, Red Cross officials are urging residents in the predicted pathway to stay tuned to weather forecasts and begin taking the following measures:

* Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
* If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
* Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
* Avoid elevators.

If at home:

* Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
* Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy.
* Avoid using open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
* If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.

If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:

* If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
* Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
* Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
* Take blankets, sleeping bags and prescription medicines to shelter.
* Tell someone outside of your storm area where you are going.
* Lock your home and leave immediately.
* Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.

For more information regarding tropical storm and hurricane preparedness information, please visit more of our disaster readiness online resources, contact your local Red Cross chapter, or call the toll-free American Red Cross hotline 1-866-GET-INFO.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

For more information, or to contact American Red Cross, see their website at: www.redcross.org